Thursday, May 16, 2013

Life Lately…

{Fresh Peonies in a Mint Julep Cup to Brighten up my Entryway}

The past couple of weeks have been fantastic. It’s been a bit of a transition period for me. After two years as Director of Marketing at Visual Comfort, I decided in February that it was time to go back out on my own again and my last day there was May 1st. I learned so much while with the company and was able to meet so many fantastic people, but I felt it was time to finally tap into what I know is my calling and start a new chapter. While it is always unnerving to leave a secure job with benefits to start a new venture, I have no doubt that I’ve made the right decision. There really isn’t anything like having the flexibility that comes from working for yourself. I feel like I have my life back and things are just as they should be. I’m not quite ready to unveil my newest project just yet, so stay tuned! I will share everything with you over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse of what I’ve been up to recently!

{Lauren, Meg, and I went to the opening of the Houston Decorative Center’s Spring Market which included a keynote presentation on branding by the handsome John Robshaw and fabulous Mary McDonald.}

{We celebrated Fabian’s birthday. It’s crazy to think that we were 19 and 20 when we first met and now here we are at 31 and 33. Where does the time go? If you live in Houston and you haven’t had Mom’s Chocolate Cake at Benjy’s, drop whatever you’re doing and go order a piece immediately if not sooner. It is off the charts!}

{I was finally able to visit my friend Daniel at his gorgeous store, AREA. They recently moved to a new location and as always, the store is full of chic finds in artfully arranged vignettes. Daniel has an amazing eye.}

{I also spotted this super stylish vignette featuring a plaster console table and some gorgeous brass goodies at AREA.}

{We saw The Great Gatsby this weekend and loved it. Sure, a lot of people are saying it was more style than substance, but sometimes, I’m okay with that. The movie was intoxicating in the best way possible and I can’t get this beautiful song out of my head. Obsessed!}

{I’ve been busy finishing up several design projects around my house for a photo shoot that is happening next week. I had beautiful, new linen curtains with Greek key trim made by The Curtain Exchange and could not be happier with them. They’re gorgeous and transformed my house. I also learned a ton from Georgina, the founder of The Curtain Exchange, so look for a post including everything you could ever need to know about curtains and a full project reveal to come soon.}

{We recently had this custom built-in made for our family room and my sweet and handy husband installed a pair of Dean Picture Lights by Alexa Hampton over the weekend to finish the piece off. I’m really happy with how it turned out!}

What’s new with you? Have you seen Gatsby? I’ve talked to a lot of other bloggers about this and the general consensus seems to be that readers don’t comment as much as they used to. I think Pinterest has a lot to do with. Now, if we see something we love on a blog, we tend to pin it as opposed to leaving a comment about it. It’s always great to hear from you, so please know that your comments and feedback are always welcomed and encouraged!

16 comments:

soooo excited for you new venture and know you will be ah-mazing at whatever you put your hands to!! You know so many fabulous stores in Houston!! I need to get down there more often and visit some of them. Cant wait to see more of your fabulous home.

Love your cabinetry!!!!!!! Yes, I saw Gatsby and loved it, too after I got it out of my head it just isn't like the old traditional film, but a new one altogether. I thought Tobe McGuire was the wrong guy for that part, though.Love the draperies.xo NancyPowellbrowerhome.com

i recently went out on my own too! yay for us! i'd super love to meet up with other designers in town, working alone is, well, lonely. getting tips and inspiration from each other would be great. would you be interested?

Hi Paloma, I've been reading your blog for 5years now (since my first mat leave in 2008, and now I'm on my second baby), almost daily, and I've never you left you a comment before, so I thought it was time :) (this is my first comment to anyone ever!) First off, I want to thank you for bringing great joy to my daily routine through your awesome blog. I feel like I've gotten to know you so well - thanks for sharing your inspiration, bits of your life, and the rest. You are a true inspiration. With your announcement to leave your current job, I think I already know what your next step is, and I can't wait to hear more about it - and I want to say that I'm so proud of you for taking the leap of faith. I'm so excited for you. You have such a talent and you should follow your calling and dreams. I just wanted to wish you continued success, and tell you that you've got great supporters out there. I look forward to your big annoucement!!

Hi Paloma!I just recently took a leap of faith myself and I know exactly how you feel. I left my secure job to do what I love. Now I feel free and happy and I just can't wait to see what happens next! Of the many things I'm working on, a blog is one of those. I hope that some day it looks as pretty as yours! Good luck and please know that we got your back!Zania

Can't wait to read the post on curtains. I sew the curtains in my house. I've done 2 rooms so far and I need all the tips I can get! Looking forward to your next adventure.Long time reader from Sydney Australia.

I bet it is scary but exciting at the same time! You'll be successful, I have no doubts. And probably much happier being your own boss. Love the curtains, can't wait to see them in the room. I love that Mary McDonald has brought back the greek key and blue and white ginger jars!